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Consumer product safety legislation and guidelines

Health Canada develops and enforces regulations under Government of Canada legislation. The Department consults with the Canadian public, industry and other interested parties in the development of laws that protect health and safety. We also prepare guidelines and policies in order to help interpret and clarify the legislation surrounding consumer products.

What is Legislation?

Legislation refers to laws, called Acts, which are enacted by Parliament, the legislative arm of government. There is also subordinate legislation where parliament delegates its law-making powers to other bodies (for example, Regulations or Rules).

What are Guidelines?

Guidelines are departmental policy and recommended standards or statements that derive from Legislation. They do not have the force of law or regulation.